Event Planning Courses - Things To Keep In Mind

Event planning industry is growing rapidly these days and many upcoming event planners have realized the importance of event planning courses to have a successful career. If you are a social person, friendly, fun loving and have esthetics then you should also consider event planning as your career and groom your inner skills by attending a good event planning course.

Many people are working in this industry without having any degree, diploma or certification so why should you go and waste your time and money in attending such courses? The answer is simple that now it has become a necessity because once there were no professional event planners and people used to arrange their events by them, but now as the industry of event management and planning is booming, new and fresh techniques are also being introduced which are taught in event planning courses. So it is better to learn the basic etiquettes and step into the field with a confidence to face the competition. But before taking any course you must keep a few things in mind.

Your field; event planning covers many areas and there are different types of courses which you can attend specifically for example wedding planning, event management, business meetings etc. so you should have a clear mind about your interest and opt for the suitable course. You can not work properly unless you have an aptitude for that because event management and planning is totally based on aptitude and interest.

Area:you can find many institutions that offer planning courses while searching on the internet but make sure that the institution should be in your city or near your city so you would be able to attend the lessons without any worries as it is a practical work the more you see the better you learn. So instead of finding '' the best'' you can depend on a good and reasonable institute which is within your reach.

Reputation of the school: make sure the school you are selecting has a good reputation; inquire about the teachers; they should have a good background and have established themselves in event management. Many companies hire new people by seeing their institution so invest your money in better institution instead of finding a cheap one.

Time schedule: watch your time schedule before getting admission in the event planning school; if you are employed somewhere and can not attend the class on the specific time, you have the option distant learning as well; there are many institution that offer distant learning courses on the internet.

Just keep these things in your mind before taking any planning course and polish your hidden talent before starting your career.

Three Rules for Planning a Great Company Picnic

Although not all companies celebrate their employees' hard work, a few companies take the time and often the thanks will take the form of an annual company picnic. And while larger companies may hire somebody outside of the office to plan and essentially put on the picnic, many smaller companies will plan their picnics in-house to save on costs. Saving money is all well and good, but planning a large company picnic based on the schedules of a large number of employees is not necessarily easy. So you will want to use whatever tips available to get it done right and throw a great picnic.

Of course, the easy way out would be to hire an outside service to do most of the work. But planning a picnic can actually be quite fun and you do not want to miss out on that. And as long as you follow three simple rules, you will have no trouble planning a great company picnic that everyone will truly enjoy.

1. Plan Early - As with any sort of social event of this magnitude, it is extremely important to begin planning early for a number of reasons. For one thing, you want to be sure you can book the place where you want to have your company picnic. If there are only a few choices, they may fill up fast. In addition, you want to be sure your employees have enough time to make plans to go to the company picnic and with busy lifestyles this can be difficult.

Setting the date, booking the venue, and getting the ball rolling early in the planning process will mean less stress in the end. And less stress will mean you may actually get to enjoy the picnic too.

2. Be Diverse - The picnic you plan should be as diverse as the people who work for you. There is a fairly good possibility your employees enjoy a wide range of activities, food, and entertainment. So you should take this into consideration when planning your picnic. After all, your company picnic is a way to show your employees your appreciation. So you do not want to leave anyone out.

You may want to have people give you suggestions directly or even send around a survey to find out what kinds of things people like. Whatever you do, be sure to have a little something for everyone and nothing that will offend anyone and you should be fine.

3. Use Conferencing - It may be beneficial if you put together a sort of focus group to help you plan, and you can easily communicate with those individuals with a conference calling program. Your focus group can help you iron out all the details for the picnic and can discuss them with you through conferencing.

The best part is conferencing programs can be downloaded from the internet at no cost to you, not something you can say about the rest of the plans for your company picnic. Download your conference calling program in advance, and you will be ready to go with a conference call at the drop of a hat.

Company picnics are supposed to be fun, but only after all the planning is taken care of. But if you plan early, plan right, and communicate with others through conferencing, you will be able to enjoy your company picnic and so will your employees.

Why You Should Hire a Marquee For Corporate Events

When organising corporate presentations for large audiences or hospitality events for the product launches at outdoor shows, it is essential to make the right impression.

You want to make sure that your guests and prospective clients feel welcome, comfortable and that they are visually impressed by the way you have presented your company. They will be expecting a high standard of both your choice of venue and the way in which you organise your corporate event.

Corporate Marquees

Marquee hire is an excellent solution for both corporate and hospitality events alike, as temporary exhibition structure. They offer the professional look you require in terms of creating the right impression or 'wow' factor to new and existing clients. By being relatively large structures, marquees help to portray your company as a much large organisation than it actually is.

Advantages of Corporate Marquee Hire

The benefit of being able to style and layout your corporate event in the way that you want to, rather than being confined to a certain shape or space, is key to the popularity and success of marquee hire. If you run out of space, you can always attach a second or third marquee to your main tent. You could even hold separate parts of your event in individual marquees on the same plot of land, depending upon available space obviously.

Most large corporate shows do just this, choosing to hire a large marquee for the main event and additional, smaller marquees for catering and bar areas.

Expandability is a clear advantage that marquees have over most corporate event venues and exhibition centres. Most indoor venues are fixed in what they can offer in terms of more space or different shaped arenas, simply by the shape and size of the building they are in. They are unable to compete with the expandability of marquee hire.

Individual Corporate Events

Marquees have the added benefit of offering corporate event organisers a flexible internal area to decorate and furnish. With modern marquee design, internal support structures are no longer necessary, so the entire indoor area is available for customisation. Though some other indoor event venues are able to offer this, marquees have the added advantage of usually being located on open ground.

Being located on ground level, allows marquees to accommodate large pre-build exhibition stands, heavy objects such as audio/visual and recording equipment and promotional vehicles such as cars & caravans. Even hospitality porter cabins and catering service vehicles can easily be incorporated into your event inside your marquee, which cuts down setup times and costs.

With such large customisable interiors, marquees are an ideal venue solution for companies who are organising corporate shows and exhibitions which need to be individual and personalised. A marquee can be easily transformed from a otherwise ordinary tent into a visually appealing venue, with drapes, atmospheric lighting, stage sets and multimedia screens.

As marquees are such big structures, the interior space allows lighting rigs and video camera scaffold to be setup. This is great if you require your corporate event to be broadcast on television or streamed over the internet.

Total Corporate Event Management

Many marquee hire companies nowadays offer a tailor made corporate event planning and management service as well as hiring marquees. With some offering corporate event decor design and furniture rental and even catering and mobile bar services.

Additionally with the increase in the popularity of the internet, particularly within the business world, wireless internet access, audio/visual presentation equipment and staging structures are also sometimes offered by marquee hire companies to complete your corporate event.

Build Your Event Using Tent Rentals

Not only used for protection against the elements, tent rentals supply an instant venue for festivals, weddings, concerts, parties, trade shows, sporting events, ceremonies, fashion events and more.

Planning

As special event planners, tent rentals give you the freedom to design an open space suited to the event's size and purpose, the number of people attending and the structures essential to the event. Tents allow you to set up and lay out the event according to your needs, without the confines of a traditional roof top venue.

Since each event is unique, research and planning will help determine the type, size and number of tents you will need to carry out the event.

Size Matters

Size is the most important consideration when choosing a tent and requires common sense. Rent a tent large enough for guests to move freely without overcrowding. Oppositely, do not rent a tent too large for a small group because it will seem empty and desolate if there is unused room. Try to find a size that fits a little larger than your needs; that way, you will have the extra room if necessary.

Tent size also depends on the nature and magnitude of the event. Take into account all aspects of the occasion. If you are planning a small graduation celebration, you may need extra space for a dance floor and bar in addition to chairs and buffet tables. For a much larger celebration, such as a festival or fashion show, estimate the amount of people planning to attend (tickets sold), the space needed for food and beverage areas and the approximate room needed for entertainment, stages and dressing rooms. Keep in mind all these factors when selecting a tent for your occasion.

The tent's purpose dictates the number and style of tents you will need. If it is going to serve as the main venue, you will require several pole or frame style tents. If the tent is needed for a trade show booth with two or three people occupying it, a single popup shelter will suffice.

Whatever your occasion, it is best to consult a tent rental specialist to help you decide exactly which style and size tent is right for your event.

Indoor and Outdoor

Tent rentals are used for both indoor and outdoor functions as a way of organizing space. Arranged according to different stations, such as food vendors, merchant stores, first aid tents and stage crew covers, tent rentals add structure and organization to a large auditorium, stadium or park and helps guests navigate their way in unfamiliar facility or open field.

Tent rentals are not only limited to summer months and can be used outdoors throughout the year. This is due to in-tent heating and cooling systems that control the temperature inside the tent. In winter, heating systems protect guests against the cold, and in the summer, air conditioning systems keep guests cool and comfortable.

And of course, in the event of poor weather, such as rain, wind or snow, your guests, equipment and refreshments will be sheltered from these seasonal elements. They will all thank you for consulting an event rentals company.

All Purpose Venues

The versatility and practicality of tent rentals - large or small, indoor or outdoor, winter or summer - give you the freedom to build an authentic venue tailored to your event. By creating a space customized to your event needs, it permits greater flexibility and control, whereby increasing the odds of a more successful occasion.

Team Building Activities the Modern Outdoor Way

If you have ever been on a team builder event for work then you'll know they can traditionally be tedious, dull and hardly inspire you to greater things.

But office team building doesn't have to be like that... a series of boring paper exercises, building a bridge out of straws or scribbling keywords on a Nobo whiteboard!!!

NO, NO, NO... BECAUSE TEAM BUILDING CAN ACTUALLY BE SO MUCH FUN - YOU'LL FALL ABOUT LAUGHING.... read on my corporate friends!

Wake Up, Go Crazy with Fun Team Building Programmes

As a person who has been on far too many management team building and corporate team activity days I can say that 90% of the time I came back to the office cynical, manipulated, tired and bored or a mixture of them all. I lost count of the times I said to colleagues "what a waste of time"!! And I heard others say that too!

So if your staff are thinking it - then it's probably true. So please wake up to a new breed of corporate event management and team building that are much more sports in nature. It WILL get the staff laughing, motivated and talking positively for many months to come.... for sure.

Team Activity Programmes Have Changed For Good

Corporate games, team building activities and leadership exercises of old are dead! - People learn much better in a relaxed and fun environment. So all manner of group games and team bonding activities have been designed around crazy antics and fun day events such as "It's A Knockout" games or Outward Bound courses. And I know what I'd rather do... have some fun outdoors!

If you do, you can expect a lot of running around, shouting, laughing, and falling over, getting wet, foamed up, crashes, silly costumes.... and more falling over! But it can have its serious side in that these are team games with a purpose to succeed, show leadership, communication skills and use both physical and mental strength. You'll observe your teams in ways that will not be observed in the workplace and with all that frivolity about you'll see team bonding like no other... it'll be a team love fest and they be begging for more! Honestly.

Making Team Activities Fun

Yes, as the corporate event planner you want to ensure your team day offers a series of interesting team building ice breakers, problem solving games, group activities, motivational games and team bonding activities... but hey, let's make it enjoyable. We are not here to punish the workforce or turn them into robots right? We want to motivate and stimulate them - the rewards of which are well documented - a keener, happier workforce is a more efficient and productive workforce... in essence the whole point of team building programmes.

Say NO MORE to indoor team building exercises in the workplace or office - GET OUTDOORS and you'll see the staff's eyes light up. When did that happen with overhead projector?

Plan Your 'NEW' Corporate Event

If you are a corporate event planner or team leader looking to do something new and fun for your team morale or leadership training then start Googling key phrases like: "teamwork games, corporate event ideas, fun team building activities, corporate fun days or corporate team building activities... there are loads of ideas beyond the 'brainstorm' and PowerPoint lists... As the team organiser if you CANNOT be motivated to do something different then how can you expect your team to be?

Party Series: Kids Birthday Parties

Kid's birthday parties will be more fun and filled with happiness. If you want to celebrate your kid's birthday party in a best way, then there are several things that you have to consider. Planning in advance is very important for any event, so that you could ensure that nothing goes wrong. There are some people who don't find time planning for the birthday parties; therefore, they hire even management companies. These companies would help you planning for the parties and events in a perfect way. They do all the decorations, hiring catering, conducting games for kids, ordering cakes, arranging avenue for the guests, party supplies, and several other services. All that you have to do is to find a reputed event management company which provide birthday parties services.

Most of the companies are specialized in Birthday party packs, plates, cups, invitations, photo of your child and arranging a party according to your child's party theme. They make products according to your requirements and budget; therefore you don't have to worry about moving from one shop to another in order to buy decorative items or ordering cakes or arranging catering services. All the things which are necessary for the parties will be provided by the company itself. All you have to do is to find a reputable event management company and contact them and tell your requirements for the birthday party in advance.

Once if you hire them, they would all the necessary preparations and planning and on your kid's birthday, they would ensure that everything goes fine and perfect. No matter whether it is a small party or big event, they would provide you the perfect solution. You just have to sit and enjoy the party along with your kid's and guests who have arrived to your kid's party.

How to Promote Your Event Through Facebook

What is the most important component of a big and successful event? Every organizer would surely vote for attendees. Participation and attendee response are the key indicators of an event success. The prior step to ensure high attendee turnout, be it a football tournament, rock concert, seminar, football tournament, is proper marketing and promotion of your event. Facebook is fast becoming the biggest platform for reaching out to your target audience because of its sheer popularity. You can reach out to 500 million Facebook users through 'Facebook Events', its highly effective marketing tool.

Facebook event is an innovative application to create and publish an event page on Facebook. You can invite your friends to participate in the event, and also remind them about the same. The most exciting part is that this service is absolutely free and individuals, who do not have a Facebook event, can register for the event.

Benefits
There are numerous advantages of using this application. To start with, You can market your event to a globally situated audience without much cost and effort, and gain the attention of billions of Facebook user by publishing an event. The icing on the cake is that this application is absolutely free and is very simple to set up.

The steps to create and publish an event are discussed in details below:

Locating the Facebook Event Application
There are numerous ways to locate Facebook event application, easiest being log onto your Facebook account and click on 'my friends' navigation menu to open up the application. Second step would be clicking on the event button and

Create an Event
Simply click on the 'create an event button' to start the process by filling in the details. Put all the event information like venue, date, time, title, etc. carefully. Once you have entered all the info, then the next step is to provide levels of access, which can be 'private' and 'public'. A private event is 'by invitation only' and 'public events' can be viewed by all of your friends. A tip, do not put your home address as the location for a public event to avoid chaos.

Upload Links, Photos and Videos
In the next page you enhance your event page by adding relevant and interesting videos and audios. There is an option to put more information by adding links to your event website or enabling them to register instantly by putting a 'register now' button

Invite Guests
The last and the most important step is to invite guests. You can click on the 'Invite People To Come' button beneath the event photo to select guests from your friend list or can type the potential attendee name you wish to invite by clicking on the 'guest list 'tab on the event page. Once the guest list has been compiled, you can 'send invitation mails' with detailed event info to complete the process.

Note: you can even people without a Facebook account by entering their email addresses on the 'guest list' tab of the edit event page. They will be able to view event details and RSVP upon receiving an invitation.

To summarize Facebook event is a great platform to event organizers and marketers to spread the word out about their event leveraging the authoritative position of Facebook. Acteva is the leading Event Management Software and Marketing solutions provider which promotes your events through its Facebook Connect service seamlessly. So what are you waiting for? Give the attention your event deserves with the help of Facebook.

Finding a Pittsburgh Venue For Corporate Events

Pittsburgh is one of the country's oldest, and best-known cities. The city of steel, as it is sometimes referred to, is also nicknamed the city of bridges because the city is set on a triangle tract of land where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River. The city has undergone major redevelopment in recent years reclaiming abandoned industrial sites by transforming these Pittsburgh venues into desirable housing, shopping and business office spaces.

Home to many technology, healthcare, fashion, and financial services, Pittsburgh has overcome the struggling economic turmoil it faced in the 1970's when the steel industry that once defined the city began wavering. Riverfront factories and warehouses once filled with factory workers were left vacant when steel manufacturers shut down operations in favor of self preservation.

Party and event planners have long since used Pittsburgh venues like remodeled industrial buildings to host upscale events for private parties and corporate celebrations. The openness of these once manufacturing floors provides the ideal Pittsburgh venue for partiers to enjoy the music and festivities that accompany a well-designed corporate function. Event planning takes preparation and planning but finding a Pittsburgh venue that meets the needs of the sponsor is an easy choice with the aid of an event planner.

Once on the verge of economic collapse, Pittsburgh is now one of the most livable cities in America and is highly ranked as one of the best places for young professional to live. Because abandoned warehouse space lends itself to so many possibilities for decoration and creative environments for events finding an ideal Pittsburgh venue for a corporate event is simple.

Event Planning For a Special Day Occasion

Planning and executing a successful event can be very stressful and tiring. Several factors are there that need to be very carefully considered while planning an event. It is very important in any event that all invited guests do enjoy the event and for this to happen you need to minutely plan each and every thing. Now some of the important factors that should be considered for making any event a huge success are budget, list of names to be invited, theme of the event, goals of the event and the various area to be included like stage programs, meals etc and above all, the venue for the event.

In the present scenario one need not have to panic when it comes to organizing events. Event planners are there to free you from this responsibility. Just get the right event planner and he will do everything right from planning the event to executing it to a huge success. They are the professionals who are trained to handle special events no matter whether it is a small one or a big one. Be it the budget, advertising or marketing or even inviting guest an event planner handles everything. In fact most of them also possess contacts and list of good caterers, venues, decorators. So, once you hire them just give them your requirements and then relax.

You can find a number of event planning firms. These firms provide services for not only huge corporate events but also for special private events. This time you are planning to celebrate your kid's birthday or your anniversary in a different fashion with lots of guest, don't panic as you can go to any of these firms and you can enjoy your special day in the very way you always dreamt of. They will even decide the entertaining activities that should be there to entertain your guest. Not even this, you can also rely on them for the decorations and even the food menu. A professional event planner will make everything just perfect.

One important decision to be made is whether the event is to be organized outside or inside and accordingly other arrangements can be made. What is important for these firms is to keep their customers happy and satisfied. Planners spend most of their time in offices, but when meeting with clients the work is usually on site at the location where the event is taking place.

Access Online Solutions to Make Your Next Seminar a Grand Success

Organizing a conference or seminar in present times is extremely crucial for generating the ROI of a business. Hence, corporate houses organize such events frequently, so that they can connect with their prospective clients and reap maximum benefits from their investments. However, for making a seminar successful, ensuring maximum attendance is extremely crucial. Unless you have enough attendees at your event, you cannot attract desired amount of business prospects from it. To streamline all these jobs, event organizers, now-a-days, are turning toward online solutions.

In recent times, a myriad of online solutions are available in the market. Among them, the cloud-based event registration software has carved a niche for itself. This software automates the process of managing corporate events, such as conference and seminars, with maximum efficiency and reduces the workload of the organizers. It eliminates 60% of your back-office workload by automating the entire process of registration, payment processing, and reporting. Take a look here to know how you can simplify your administrative function to make your next seminar a grand success.

Set Up Customized Event Page Online

Using the software, you can build up a customized event page with the convenient features of registration and online payments. It helps your potential attendees to sign up and make payments online right from your event page. Moreover, by accessing the software, you can make a page that perfectly complements the look and feel of your corporate website. It helps you build up your own credibility to your potential attendees.

Customize the Forms in Minutes

The software helps you customize the registration forms, so that you can attract a large number of potential attendees. Unlike paper forms, online sign-up forms are available 24x7 and can be accessed from any location. Moreover, it helps you sign up as a group and that too, without filling up any separate registration forms. The ease of registration helps you grab the attention of your target audience instantly.

Save Data Entry Time Effectively

Using the scalable software helps you save your data entry time considerably. The system automates the entire process as soon as the registrants put the data and make payments. All the relevant data and accounting reports get stored in the database automatically; these can also be retrieved, if required.

Secure Payment Processing

Processing registration fees or donations on time is one of the most challenging jobs of event management. However, the Cloud-based feature allows you to tackle this problem effortlessly by providing multiple payment methods. Using the PCI-compliant platform, users can make payment in the most secure environment and get real-time authorization. Additionally, it helps you prevent all kinds of fraudulent transactions.

Send Confirmation Emails Automatically

The software helps you send automatic confirmation emails and also follow-up mails to the attendees, as soon as they complete the sign up process or make payments. Besides, you can also send email notifications and RSVPs to potential attendees, informing them about your upcoming events just by a click of your mouse.

Promote Your Meetings & Events Effortlessly

The host of built-in marketing tools helps you promote your events just by a click of your mouse. The on-page integration with social media tools help you promote your seminar to a larger audience. Organizers can use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ for this purpose.

Access the multiple benefits of Event registration software to make your next seminar a grand success.

Event Cancellation Insurance - Protecting Your Big Event

The event was the COMDEX convention held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. COMDEX was the annual global IT convention, featuring the newest computers, electronics and gadgets. This was the biggest convention held in Atlanta each year. 200,000 people would attend the convention over four days.

Two days before the convention opened, a category 3 tornado struck downtown Atlanta. The twister tore off 100,000 square feet of roof from the Convention Center and dumped hundreds of thousands of gallons of rainwater inside. Local news footage showed water cascading down a big stairway like a waterfall.

COMDEX was cancelled. The financial losses for the event planners fairly boggle the mind.*

What if the show can't go on? The consequences - particularly for a corporation staking big bucks on a marketing event or for an association that gains most of its revenue from an annual conference - can be dire. One safety net is event cancellation insurance, which can protect your event investment against catastrophes, strikes, earthquakes and snowstorms.

Event Cancellation Insurance has been around for decades, and has a long history of protecting special events from conventions, to trade shows, to exhibitions, entertainment or sporting events.

An insured may have incurred expenses all year long preparing for an event but can't afford for an unpredictable event to cause its cancellation. Think of the costs for travel, venue deposits, rescheduling costs, as well as other costs including planning.

Often the kinds of problems that can lead to postponement, cancellation or relocation of an event are out of the planner's control. Look to Event Cancellation Insurance for the kind of coverage needed to protect that financial exposure.

Whether planners should invest in cancellation insurance depends upon how important an event is to an association or corporation financially and what kind of risk it is assuming. If your group event is planned for 50 people, you'd probably not buy this policy. But if 500 or 5,000 people were expected to attend, event cancellation insurance could be crucial to your bottom line.

Sometimes, event planners don't think about event cancellation insurance. They either are unaware that such coverage exists, or mistakenly rely on the insurance of the event venue...like a convention hall. The venue's insurance will help them rebuild or repair. But it won't help the event planners find another venue, or compensate them for the costs they incur or income they lose from cancellation.

Coverage and Cost

The rule of thumb is that cancellation insurance covers perils that are beyond the control of a planner, such as inclement weather, strikes, outbreaks of disease and so on. You can also purchase coverage for "Non-Appearance," in case your event relies on the appearance of a person or group (speaker, performers, player, invited guest). The policy also covers things such as extra expenses for trucks and workers in case an exhibitor doesn't break down his exhibits. What is not covered are lack of planning, low attendance from a lack of interest or poor marketing, or bankruptcy of the planner.

Coverage begins as soon as the premium is paid and usually extends for five days after the event. Coverage purchased well before an event can be a godsend if something happens to the facility where you're booked, as the coverage would cover costs of relocation and notifying attendees.

The cost of this coverage is calculated on a policy-by-policy basis. Every event is different and each has unique risk exposures. The standard costs of this coverage run about fifty cents per $100 of coverage. However, variables like location (areas susceptible to hurricane or earthquake) or season (winter is higher than spring, summer or fall) can push the price up towards $1 per $100 of coverage. So, a $1 million policy might cost up to $10,000 or more.

When To Buy

Event cancellation insurance is usually less expensive if purchased far in advance. Insurers increase the premium rate, theorizing that the closer the event is, the more desperate the planner must be for coverage.

We recommend that you get at least two price quotes before making a buying decision. We also recommend that you review a sample copy of any policy before purchase to determine what is covered and what is excluded.

Then, have a super successful event!

*This catastrophe was entirely fictitious.

Now Sit Back and Relax at Your Own Corporate Event by Hiring Corporate Event Planners

Do you remember your last corporate party? Probably not! If it didn't leave impact in your mind, then how could other people possibly remember the day? Thousands of dollars that you have put in go in vain, just because you have given the responsibility of organizing a corporate party to some un-reliable hand. Maybe you have the expertise in running a big organization, but to organize a perfect business party is entirely different.

To make the corporate event more meaningful, the corporate event planners play a vital role. The corporate world of the New York City demands more social networking and business meetings to survive in between the cut-throat competition. Imagine the nightmare one has to face, if something goes wrong amidst the party, in front of their key business client. You can't afford to have a negative impact on your clients mind. To avoid such situations corporate event planners can be of great help.

One can find many corporate event planners in New York City and the rates differ according to the services provided by them. A little research work is required before you hire a corporate event planner. Some of the reasons to elaborate why you should hire a corporate event planner are listed below.

a. A corporate event planner is a local entrepreneur or they have a good network in the major places. This ensures that they are well versed with the hotspots for organizing the events. They can come out with great venue ideas that you would have hardly thought of.

b. They have good contacts with other resources required for organizing an event like a DJ and caterer. Whatever you require for your party, they will help you to arrange that.

c. Many a times, the experiences of corporate event planners play a major role. They are aware that just in last minute anything can go wrong. Like the DJ might get cancelled or some other entertainment needs might turn up. They keep themselves fully prepared for such issues and always keep some alternatives with them.

d. To plan an event is a time consuming affair. Hiring a corporate event planner frees your time. Now you can enjoy your own party like other guests and still have the full control of the party.

No matter what kind of event you are planning, turning to a professional event planner will certainly enhance the success of your event. Now leave all the worries of planning a corporate event in the hands of an experienced event planner.

The Benefits of Catering Companies

There are many benefits to hiring a catering service for your special event. No matter what type of event you are hosting, if you are expected to provide food and drinks for your guests, such a service can be extremely beneficial. Most special events go off best when they provide food and drinks to the guests, and catering services can provide this along with some serious peace of mind. If you do not want to stress about food and drinks, then hire catering professionals to help you out.

Food catering involves the preparation and delivery of food and drinks. Some catering companies will simply drop the food off with you, while others will serve the food to your guests. This really comes down to your own personal preference and the type of event that you are hosting. If you want to serve the food in a buffet style, then the caterers can drop the food off and leave you to your own devices. Otherwise, they can stay and serve the food for your guests. This is especially beneficial for really elegant special occasions.

Caterers can create any food that you like, though most companies will have special things that they specialize in. For example, a catering company may specialize in Greek food or Italian, while others may be able to create anything but from a specific menu that they provide. Make sure that you are choosing caterers that are going to provide the right type of food for your event. Surf and turf might not be the right choice for a wedding, for example. There are many food options to choose from, but pair the right food with the right event, and choose a caterer that you know can deliver the service you expect.

Plan your catering needs ahead of time so that you are not dashing around at the last moment. Whether you are throwing an anniversary party, a wedding, a dinner party or a business event, the quality of the catering can really play an important role. To get the right catering services for your needs, you should shop around early, make plans and preparations long ahead of time, and then sit back knowing that your food and drinks will be covered. This is the best way to benefit from everything that a catering company can provide you with. So if you are planning a special event, start looking for your catering company today.

Find a Good Party Rental Company to Spice Up Any Type of Event

When a person is looking to throw an unforgettable party in, a good party rentals company can make a huge difference. A party rental company will offer everything imaginable in entertainment for parties of all kinds.

If a person does not know exactly what they want for their party, they can get all the help they need right in their own back yard. Your local party rentals store will be happy to help with the planning. Whether it is a theme party for children, a company picnic, or even a wedding celebration, they have what is needed.

If an individual's company needs to organize a meeting conference, find a good party rental company with an event planner who can handle the job. The best companies have experienced technicians that will coordinate with your needs so every detail will run smoothly. Whether you are planning a small meeting or a huge convention, you can save time and dollars with the right help.

Thinking of planning a carnival? Search for top of the line event rental company. A great party rental company can provide games, sno cone machines, cotton candy machinea, even a fortune teller. They can set up a caricature artist and bring on the clowns. Need a bounce house? Or a mechanical bull? People of all ages enjoy a trip to the carnival, it makes the kid them happy.

Most parents want to do a bigger and better birthday party for their child every year. There are so many options when you use a party rental company, that you can do something different each year AND it's fairly easy to keep outdoing yourself (not to mention the neighbors) Rent an outdoor water slide and watch the children's eyes light up. The parents will have fun with this too. Add a bounce house in there and let the fun really begin. One big hit at birthday parties is a trackless train. EVERYONE loves a train!

For the sports enthusiast, you can find inflatable obstacle courses, a climb-n-dangle rock wall, even a Euro bungee.. If that is not exactly what you have in mind, try virtual golf or even a Wii station. Maybe a mechanical bull or roll-a-roper will get those sports fans blood pumping. Try out the full throttle, an inflatable dome theater that can hold up to four people for exciting virtual car racing.

Everyone loves casino nights. You can actually rent slot machines, black jack tables complete with professional dealers, roulette tables, and craps tables. People that enjoy games of chance will be hypnotized by the spin of the roulette wheel. For an enjoyable casino like experience, all you have to do is make a phone call. You get equipment complete with dealers.

How to Pick Up an Outdoor Catering Company?

Hiring professional outdoor catering company is the best way to ensure that your event runs successfully without having to worry at all for food and beverages. By hiring professionals for the job you can actually entertain and interact with your guests and can yourself enjoy the very special occasion for which you have been planning for so long. A good caterer not only makes your outdoor event a success but also leaves an unforgettable impact on your guests. So how to find a good event caterer who promises to deliver no less but the best is THE question of the hour!

Having recognized the nitty-gritty's of the outdoor catering events, this article will provide you with all the details needed to ensure that you make an informative decision for that special occasion.

Evaluate the quality of food
No event can be called a success unless the quality and taste of food is able to sensitise the taste buds of its guests. So it becomes highly important to ensure the quality of food and beverages beforehand to avoid any hassles afterward. Though people have different tastes however it is advised to stick to the basics and avoid last-minute experiments.

Taste test
This means tasting the food and drinks personally before finalizing the outdoor catering company. Do not hesitate to ask for taste tests especially for those dishes that you want to keep on the menu list. This way you will come to know about the worth of cuisines and mocktails that are being prepared by them.

Customized menu items
Usually outdoor catering companies offer a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Mughlai and continental to choose from. No doubt these dishes are in great demand worldwide. But make sure your caterers provide the type of cuisine that YOU want for the occasion, even if they do not cook those dishes ask them if they can make them available.

Past events portfolio
Nowadays many outdoor catering companies are coming up; some of them may offer you the best deals you have been looking for. Here it becomes quite crucial on your part to find out whether they can meet their commitment or not, that's why you should ask them for their past experience and enquire about their tenure in the catering business. Even if they are less experienced you, by your very own sense of judgment and decision-making power, can judge their potential and capability on the answer they provide when you ask for their past experience.

Ask for their charges
After satisfying yourself on the above stated factors now is the time to ask for their charges. Usually the cost of any outdoor event catering depends upon the total number of guests and the cuisine and beverages served. However, try your best to stick to your event budget and do not feel shy in asking for the possible discounts and favors, negotiate the cost as per your pocket. Do not hesitate! Remember you are the CUSTOMER.

Abovementioned points will surely help you figure out the ideal outdoor catering service of your choice that too under your budget. Following these points will definitely ensure you a grand successful event and an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Can Social Media Help With Event Management?

Social media is one of the most important and effective tools in event management. One of the key aspects of managing a special occasion is getting the word out. Especially when it comes to how to buy and sell tickets, spreading the message that something special is happening is very important. But it's not enough to simply advertise the event in a random manner. You need to target audiences and demographics that will be interested in making a purchase and attending that special affair. This is precisely where social media can be a helpful tool.

A World Of Benefits

Online networking tools offer a host of benefits to anyone who is trying to plan a special party or meeting. As with most online tools, the reach of social media is international. This means that the scope of people who can learn about your events is global. Compare this to the other marketing strategies which may only have a local scope and can cost you money. This brings us to the second biggest benefit of online networking tools. Most of them are free. Things like MySpace, Twitter and setting up a blog can all be done free of charge. This is perhaps one of the biggest assets of online networking tools. You get an international audience but your investment is nil! However, it's not enough to simply sign up and open an account. You need to know how to use these tools effectively, too.

Whether you are marketing an expo event or conferences and seminars, it's important to get the word out to the right people. You may have the ability to target a huge audience and tell them all about the upcoming fashion show you are managing. But you're not going to make many sales if these people aren't interested in "fashion". When using online networking tools, it's important to target the right people. You can easily find groups or forums of people who are not only interested in certain shows, but also eager to buy tickets and spread the word, as well.

How It Can Work

To understand how social media can work to boost your show management, let's consider the popular networking platform called Facebook.

*Your first step should be to open a group page where people can find all the information they will need about your event. This can include online event registration, box office tickets information and news about upcoming shows.
*Make sure you invite people who may be interested in joining the group.
*It's also important to keep the group updated but avoid spamming the members with too much promotional material.

Online networking is important in case one wants to promote an event with minimum of efforts. Twitter is one such platform that can be employed for the same.

*If people ask you questions on Twitter or via the FB group page, make sure you take the time to answer them.
*If people find out they are dealing with actual people who are polite instead of spam bots, they will be happy to spread the word as well.
*It's not uncommon to see people re-tweet or promote shows in their status updates. This kind of promotion is valuable, since people are more likely to listen to what a friend says rather than a management company.

Online social media tools are a smart, quick and efficient way to spread the word about your shows.

Invitations 101 Review

Review of Event Leadership Institute Class:
"Invitations 101"

When planning a wedding or party, it is easy to get preoccupied with the visible aspects of an event: food, music, venue, decorations. Yet none of these elements will be enjoyed by guests or clients if invitations aren't designed well or delivered on time.

That is the message of a just-released online class from the Event Leadership Institute titled "Invitations 101: Folds, Papers, Printing Techniques & More" which offers some outstanding advice for professional and first-time event planners on how to get the most out of your invitations and make a great impression for your event.

Knowing all the options for successful invitation design, production and fulfillment is often the first step in successful event planning, according to class instructor and graphic design expert Steve Paster, president of Alpine Creative Group. The 30-minute video course covers the multitude of invitation options the event planner has at his or her disposal, as well as the financial and aesthetic factors the professional must consider.

Paster, who has worked on birthday invitations for LeBron James and Sean Diddy Combs, wedding announcements for Billy Joel and other entertainers, and event invitations for Hollywood events including Queen Latifah's VIBE Gala, says that the most expensive invitation is the one that's never opened. Also, if scheduling, budgeting or even legal problems get in the way, you might as well say goodbye to future assignments.

Paster has some advice for event planners that can make the difference between a smooth job and a nightmare:

• If your client changes his or her mind on an invitation design after the project has begun, make sure those changes are documented in writing.

• Custom stamps add approximately 40% to the price but definitely add flair to the project.

• Always have an invitation mailed to yourself to check timing and quality.

• "Evites" are a lot faster and cheaper than mailed invitations, but sometimes they end up in spam files or are assumed to contain viruses.

• Always ask your printer about lead time, potential cost overruns and additional services offered. It may be cost-efficient to have the same shop do the fulfillment.

• The first thing you should discuss with the printer is the due date, and get a written guarantee it will be met. Even gorgeous, persuasive invitations are useless if they're late.

• Shorter lead times usually increase price. Start the process early.

• If you use artwork, make sure it is not copyrighted. No matter how successful the invitation, if your client is sued when it's all over, it will hardly matter.

• Always ask for advance proofs before final printing. You don't want your client's company name misspelled.

• Carefully review all the options for paper, ink and printing. There are many variables to weigh. For instance, thermography (raised printing) is less expensive than engraving or embossing, but often looks cheaper, as well. Stamping with metal plates can use thick paper that has an impressive impact and leave behind a substantial image on the paper, but it also one of the more expensive options. Foil stamping is the least expensive, but cannot be used for small text.

• When deciding between a 2-color press or 4-color press, remember that 4-color can run either Pantone colors (specific spot colors) or process colors (combinations of CMYK), but it's a slower and more expensive option than using a 2-color press, which can only run Pantone.

On one hand, it's really a numbers game because of all the options. On the other, it's a lot more critical than a game because the first impression recipients have of an event comes from the invitation.

When event planners have to decide on the kind of paper to use for an invitation, they can select text or cover stock, coated or uncoated stock, vellum, skin, brushed, plastic or acrylic stock. They also have to decide on whether to use offset, digital, engraved, letterpress or various other kinds of printing, as well as die cutting, flush mounting, bordering, edging or other creative techniques. As Paster says, it really pays to know the difference.

How To Sell Yourself As A DJ

The market is saturated with DJs, so why would a client choose you? The first thing that you have to understand is that people do business with people. Most DJ businesses get a majority of their business by referrals also known as word-of-mouth marketing. If you are speaking to a client, this means someone (usually a friend, family member, or someone that has seen you perform) probably referred them to you. This also means that the client will most likely consider your services before anyone else. While you may have the advantage of a referral, you will still need to meet the clients entertainment visions and budgetary requirements. Most clients are always looking for the best deal in conjunction with the best service. Is that you? Your main goal is to first paint a picture, and worry about prices later.

The client does not care about the features of your DJ company. They don't care that you have high powered 15" speakers and a subwoofer. They don't care that you can set up a music system using an iPod and a speaker for cocktail hour. They also really don't care about your 30,000 song hard drive. All they really care about is that their guests have a great time. Most clients just want to host an amazing party and are listening for you to say "by using us/me, your guests are going to have an amazing time". Isn't that the objective. They are also looking for comfort in the planning process.

Planning a party is not easy. Hiring a DJ is one of many responsibilities and clients want peace of mind. They want you to tell them that you are going to make this easy for them. How can you make the process stress free for YOU and the CLIENT? Offer them planning tools. You should have planning forms online or offline where they can provide the important event information. After you tell them about your planning system, watch their reaction. This should bring you one step closer to the sale.

My suggestion is to register with an online event planning website like "DJ Event Planner". Clients have access to their planning account online 24/7 and can enter any important information, activities, and even choose music. Registering with an online event planner will make you feel more confident and appear more professional to clients. When you offer this service, clients will be most impressed. Once you've painted the picture, guided them through their vision, and offered them peace of mind with a planning system, it's time to tell them your prices.

You should always give them a few pricing options from which to choose. Some common examples of packages are: 1. Basic Wedding Package (DJ/MC 2 Speakers)
2. Silver wedding package (DJ/MC 2 speakers and subwoofer)
3. Gold Wedding Package (DJ, separate MC, 2 speakers, subwoofer, lights)
4. Platinum Wedding Package (DJ, separate MC, 2 speakers, subwoofer, lights, cocktail hour included)

I can't give you an idea of Wedding DJ prices because I don't know your specific market. In the NJ/NY area a REPUTABLE DJ may charge between $1000 and $2000. Prices in other states and provinces would vary depending on the demographics. If you really want to know, contact some DJ's in your area and ask their prices. Why so much? you might ask. Why so much? The client may ask.

Planning for a wedding is much more involved than just pushing play on iTunes at a house party. Your clients are paying for professionalism, your planning time, your expertise, and for you to actually perform at the event. Don't ever under sell yourself. I know someone who gave a break to a client for a wedding last year and when it was over, It was't worth the money in comparison to the amount of time spent on the planning. You should always keep your prices higher and then come down if you want to give them a discount. If your prices are too low, you'll wind up losing money and getting frustrated in the process. If your prices are STILL too high, even after a discount, thank your client for their time and give them your card.

Don't ever compromise your integrity. You are charging your price because you know you're worth it. They will find other DJ's who charge much less but surely don't have the same training and knowledge as you do. They won't be able to meet the clients vision, and they certainly won't have an event planning system in place. Be confident that you are the best DJ for their event. Always assume the sale. When you give them the prices don't ask them if they like the options. Ask them which option would meet their objective the best. You'll most likely close the sale at this point. Don't be pushy either. If they say they want to think about it, ask them if you can answer any questions. If they still seem unsure, tell them that it's no problem and give them some information to take home. Follow up with them and you will surely have another opportunity to close the sale.

5 Benefits of Hiring a Buffet Catering Service for Your Event

Are you planning a big event? Maybe it is a party, wedding, or another big gathering? No matter what you are planning, you certainly want your guests to enjoy their time at your event. If you want to run the best event possible and draw the biggest crowd, you should consider hiring a buffet catering service. Buffet catering is a nearly magical word on an event invitation. It adds a draw factor and gets people excited to come to your event. A buffet offers a wide variety of selections, so you can avoid the potential hassles of a set course meal that everyone may not like. Here are 5 benefits of hiring a buffet catering service for your event:

1. Your Guests Will Have More Options

Buffet catering gives your guests more options. With plated catering, your guests can only choose the main dish, and in most cases, have only one of that main dish. No seconds! With a buffet, your guests can take only what they like. This usually leads to less food consumption as well as less waste. Your guests will also not be stuck with side dishes they do not enjoy. Instead, they can pick a little of everything and leave the event feeling satisfied!

2. Makes Your Event More Social

With buffet catering, your guests will be up and moving around. They will not be stuck at a table waiting for their plated meal. Instead, they can hop in line, move around, and socialize with the other guests. This will give your event a fun and social vibe and help it to be more successful.

3. They can Help Plan Your Event

Some buffet catering services can take over the majority of event-planning for you. They have a team of trusted services that can collaborate to make your event a success. They offer a variety of event themes, transportation, flowers, beverages, invitations, photographers, videographers, and more. If your event is a wedding, they can even help you hire a great wedding singer!

4. Less Expensive

Buffet catering is a great option if you are on a budget. You can provide all the food that your guests need in a cost effective manner. By working with the caterer, you can figure out what dishes are best for your event while creating a great spread,

5. Your Guests Will Not Go Hungry

With more options and the chance to get more food, your guests will have eaten plenty! You can choose different types of dishes to suit different dietary needs. If there is a vegan or vegetarian at the event, you can be sure to have a part of the buffet that caters to their needs. Everybody will have something they can eat.

There are many benefits of hiring a buffet catering service for your event. You can stay within your budget while meeting the needs of all of your guests. You can also ensure that your event has a fun and social vibe throughout its duration!

Why Sponsoring Events Is a Great Marketing Strategy

Corporate sponsorship of sports events is a well-established practice. Tune your television to any auto race, tennis match, or baseball game and you'll see a number of corporate logos. Because sports events invoke excitement and such positive emotional responses in people, sponsoring them can be pivotal factors in building brand recognition. Traditional advertising has become fragmented with people looking for ways to stand out. Sponsorship is more inclusive than traditional advertising because people feel an affinity with a sports personality or team.

In a feature on corporate sponsorship in Wealth, one marketing executive noted, "Fans are passionate about sport. Advances in technology mean they can now follow sport 'live' whenever they want, wherever they are in the world - over the Internet, on mobile devices, on TV, radio, etc - which provides even greater opportunities for sponsors. Sponsorships are now an integral part of the marketing mix, and the industry as a whole looks to have a healthy future."

A recent story in the New York Times revealed that Web.com, which provides Internet services to small- and medium-size businesses, has signed on to sponsor the golf circuit for up and coming players looking to qualify for the elite PGA tour. Web.com will become the tour's umbrella sponsor in a move that combines tour sponsorship, a series of TV commercials, and an official marketing partnership with the PGA tour. "We are about to become bolder," David L. Brown, Web.com's chief executive, told the Times.

Web.com isn't the only company to recognize the value of sponsoring golf tours. Barclays Group gains heightened visibility through its sponsorship of such high-profile sports tournaments as Barclays Scottish Open and Barclays Singapore Open for golf, and Volvo Cars Corporation in Sweden is the title sponsor of Volvo Masters.

According to an interview with Wealth, Johan Bexell, Sponsorship Director of Volvo Cars Corporation, golf sponsorship efforts have many benefits: "Volvo Masters is the final of the European Tour, which makes it the most prestigious tournament on the tour. It is televised worldwide so we get lots of brand exposure. We try to incorporate all the models as much as possible and place them on the golf course. That's the way we build up the brand."

But you don't have to be a giant corporation or sponsor a major tournament to get in on the golf sponsorship game. Even small companies can take advantage of sponsorship opportunities on a smaller level, perhaps by sponsoring a local tournament or participating as a fundraising sponsor for a local charity event. Building your brand in this way at the community level can be just as significant as a major corporation's sponsorship of a major tour event.

When you sponsor a golf event, you're reaching a true cross-section of the public. David L. Brown of Web.com notes that while golf definitely appeals to an older, well-educated, and high-end consumer, it also reaches a wider audience. In the U.S. alone, 19 percent of Americans attended, listened to, or watched a PGA event in the 12-month period between 2011 and 2012.

There are many opportunities for companies large and small to sponsor golf, from sponsoring individual players to sponsoring tournaments to forming marketing partnerships with major golf organizations. A study by the European Journal of Marketing revealed that brand recall from sponsorship of golf is high. Companies whose names appear in relation to golf events are remembered by those who attend, so it is worth considering an investment of your marketing dollars there.

Finger Food Ideas for Holiday Party Foods

It's not too late to throw together a holiday party for friends and family. There are a variety of finger food ideas for holiday party foods that you can try. Here are some suggestions for easy finger foods that will look great on your holiday buffet and take no time to make.

First, decide how much time you have in the next two weeks and how many people you want at your party. Since there is so much to cram into these next two weeks, make it simple by offering easy finger foods that your guests can munch on while visiting. Here is a menu that is easy-to-serve and fits right in with offering your guests holiday party foods.

Brie and Pear Quesadillas filled with Freshly Sliced Pear and Brie Cheese

Array of Imported European Cheeses, Artichoke Bruschetta and Olive Tapenade with a selection of Whole Wheat Pita, Vegetable Chips and Sourdough Toasts

Mini-Turkey Sandwiches accompanied with Cranberry Chutney Relish

Ham & Celeriac Remoulade Canap矇s served on thinly sliced white bread

Cucumber Cups filled with Salmon Mousse and Red Pepper Humus

Assortment of Holiday Cakes and Cookies

Hot Coco and Coffee Bar

The recipes for the quesadillas, artichoke bruschetta and the olive tapenade can all be found in Budget Bash. However, this is just a sample of some finger food ideas. Now let's discuss the holiday party foods prep.

Two days prior to the party, shop for the ingredients and pre-set your buffet using various fabrics, dried flowers and holiday ribbons for decor. On party day, if you get the chance, pick up some fresh flowers as well.

One day before the party, start to prep the holiday party foods. Make the artichoke bruschetta and olive tapenade and place in air-tight containers. If you don't buy your cranberry chutney relish, then prepare that as well along with the salmon mousse, red pepper humus and remoulade.

Morning of event, assemble the easy finger foods. Be sure to use plastic wrap to keep the quesadillas, mini turkey sandwiches, ham canap矇s and cucumber cups fresh and tasty. Place the chips, pita bread pieces and toasts in baskets and cover with plastic. Set in serving bowls the bruschetta and tapenade, cover with plastic wrap and place back in the refrigerator.

2 hours prior to guest arrival, stuff the cucumber cups and place the tray in the fridge wrapped with plastic to keep fresh. 30 minutes prior to guest arrival, dab a bit of the remoulade on the ham canap矇s, spread the chutney on the turkey sandwiches and then set out the holiday party foods.

Finger food ideas for the quesadillas - you can either lightly pan fry them or for a more low-cal alternative bake them in the oven. Be sure not to forget to set up the desserts and your hot coco bar.

I hope you picked up some finger food ideas for your holiday party foods this season. Remember, either buying or making easy finger foods will allow you to enjoy the party as well. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, stylish, fun and economical to all!

Corporate Team Building Events

Despite some employees moaning and groaning when a corporate team building event is announced, these events can be terribly beneficial. Despite getting a bad rap from some poorly done events, these can be very advantageous.

If you put on a well-done event, these can actually be a lot of fun with plenty of benefits. An event with great energy and a selection of activities can give a group a lift in attitude, motivation, and success.

Attitude

Corporate team building events can go wrong when they tell employees to be positive. You can't infuse your staff with a great attitude by instructing them to be happy.

With fun and enjoyable activities guided by positive folks with a brilliant outlook, corporate team building events can provide an immediate attitude adjustment. Honestly optimistic leaders have an upbeat attitude that rubs off on your staff.

As the team builds a positive, upbeat approach together, they are likelier to view the event, and the associates they were there with, in a more positive manner. This outlook helps link them even more tightly as a group, helping the attitude continue long after the event is over.

Motivation

A key aim of these events is building motivation. Specifically, team building activities help to create more constructive attitudes, and they can lift morale. A group that has a positive outlook and great morale will be more driven to complete work to the best of their ability.

These activities also aid in motivating the unit by making them really feel like they are part of a group. Once they feel like a cohesive unit, they will be increasingly motivated to do more in an effort to be there for their colleagues.

Guaranteed Success

You want your team to be successful, no matter what your organization does. Team building events do that.

When you have a positive, motivated staff that feels like a team, there is an almost guaranteed chance of success for the end goal, whatever it is. This is because corporate team building events get everyone working together to achieve an end. Everyone in the group puts their mind to completing the same goal, and your team is likelier than before to be a success.

Conclusion

There is a lot you can do to help fill your team with a confident attitude, motivation, and virtually guaranteed success. For maximum results, these events are probably that best path to take. These are ideal occasion for also building loyalty, creating real alliances, and helping your crew to see what immense things they are able to do with teamwork.

Interview Questions for Wedding Rental Companies

Before meeting with a wedding rentals vendor, it's helpful to have a rough idea of what you will need, an approximate guest count, and information about the reception location. The more info you can give them about your reception, the more accurate the quote. I've included some helpful questions below to ask when working with a variety of wedding rental vendors (linens, vehicles, photo booths, silverware/dining, chairs, lighting design, floral, furniture, decorations).

Choose a Wedding Rental Company

What items are available for rent? Some companies will niche market in only one category. Others may have bundled options to save you time and money. It never hurts to ask.

What is the rental fee? Do you have a price list? Some vendors resort to an all inclusive package, while others can give you several options. The second is more flexible with strict budgets. Any company you consider should be able to fully explain the differences of their various packages.

Have you worked at my reception location before? This is a biggie for event design and rentals. Not only is logistics a factor, but also facility layout. Any reputable person that has worked the facility before will be able to give an honest recommendation on what you need. They can base this off past clients, and future accommodations. There is no right or wrong way to plan a wedding, so make sure they completely understand your vision.

Do you provide delivery, set-up and pick-up? Is this included in the cost? Once again, logistics is a biggie. Some people have a limited coverage area while others will travel to Timbuktu. They should remove the stress involved with prepping by setting up the items being rented. Their price should also include tear down. The last thing you want to be stuck with is a bunch of center pieces that are due back at 10am the next morning?!

When will the items be delivered and picked up? Get this written out in detail in your contract. I have heard many horror stories because of a communication breakdown. You know what the most important part of your wedding is right... it is the part that gets screwed up. Your wedding has to be perfect. I recently was doing a wedding were another vendor ended up being 10 chair covers short for the whole room. They realized the client added on guests last minute and forgot to tell them. They had to run across town during rush hour to pull things together last minute. Always keep your vendors in the loop.

Will you move decorations from the ceremony to the reception site if needed? This is mostly done for floral arrangements. You paid the money for them, might as well get the biggest bang for your buck! But who will transport them to the reception? All you have to do is ask.

If tents are needed, do you recommend one large tent, or multiple smaller tents at my reception location? Different sized tents have different costs. Different locations require different sizes. Tents are cool. Tents are big. Tents allow your parents to invite 3,000 people who you've never met or heard of before. Oh yeah, you have to feed those people. Tents also require a small army of people to build, air condition, decorate and tear-down. Either way factor in the labor vs. sq footage.

What is you policy on damaged or missing items? Accident happens, and linens/chair covers are notorious for getting misplaced. Knock on wood that something doesn't happen, but hey Murphy's Law. It is best to have them go over a common problem situation with you. For example, if you go with lighting design, then they might require 3.5 feet of space between the tables and the perimeter of the walls to account for guest walk space.

Who will be my contact on the day of the wedding? Make sure you have a contact person that WILL be available the day of. This person should have a good understanding of the services you reserved.

How far in advance must I book your services? Vendors that do a stellar job tend to stay busy. On average, popular dates will book from 1 - 1.5 years. Some companies can handle multiple events on any given day. It is important that they do not stretch themselves to thin. They should have a backup plan for emergencies.

What is your cancellation policy? When you book 1 - 1.5 years out, a lot can change. We don't want things to, but unfortunately thing might. Since this happens on occasion every year, they should be able to answer your questions. Just keep in mind that wedding vendors reserve your date and turn down thousands of dollars in business to set aside their services for you.

Is a retainer required? If so, when and how much? Your wedding vendor will ask for some kind of deposit and signed agreement as a sign of commitment. This fee is typically 50%, it is also common practice for the remaining balance to be due 2 weeks prior to the wedding day.

Characteristics of Good Event Organizers

Marketing is integral to the success of every business; ignoring this function may be damaging. Consumers need to be aware of products and services your company offers. After all, this is the only way you can generate revenue needed to keep your enterprise going. One of the most effective ways of marketing a product or service is through an event. Promotional functions are the best way to get the ball rolling, so to speak. It is a great way of introducing what you have to offer to consumers and the press. Hire professional event organizers to ensure the success of the affair.

Why outsource the job?

Outsource these activities because they are non-core functions. Professional event organizers have the expertise to do the job more efficiently. Hiring them will also be a more cost-effective solution. Engaging your personnel in something they do not specialize in will be counterproductive. Hire experts and have your staff concentrate on tasks that are more vital.

Keep in mind that hiring an agency offering such services does not guarantee success. Delegate the job to qualified firms or individuals. Here are some qualities you should look for.

Experience

This is the best way to gauge how reliable a firm or freelance organizer's services are. Trusting the assignment with rookies in the industry might not be the best idea. The lack of experience may lead to the affair becoming a flop. Avoid this by working with someone who has extensive experience in the business. This does not necessarily mean you should shun those upcoming agencies or freelancers. Ask for portfolios if possible.

Creativity and Flexibility

Successful events are those that do not stick strictly to the book. Going by the books is a surefire way of boring your guests. Look for events planners who think outside the box. This will be especially useful if you are launching an innovative product or campaign. Seek those who conduct extensive research and analysis while they conceptualize the affair.

Avoid firms that have standard practices and are not flexible. This undertaking calls for a lot of involvement on your part. You should be the one leading the conversation and not the other way around. They should help fulfill the goals you set using their expertise.

Commitment

A dedicated team is another important component of your event's success. The people on your team must have a passion for event planning. Lacking this characteristic will only lead to a complete mess. See to it the firm you hire is up for the job. They should not be overwhelmed with the assignment and should have the focus to see it through.

The two most important steps in the process are conceptualization and execution. Events planners know that success is the result of careful planning. Sit down with them to figure out the goals of the function. Conduct exhaustive brainstorming sessions whether you are planning a brand launch or participating in a trade show or convention.

Event organizers who engage in the right pre-function activities will give you confidence that everything will go right on the day itself. Remember that a successful event will go a long way. It will introduce your brand and services, and will encourage customer recall for the long run.

Setting Your Corporate Event Budget

Here are the important steps in planning your event's budget.

1. Decide on the reason for the event

The purpose of the event will help you guide the budget. There's a big difference between a senior staff meeting and a hosted convention. Set the objective for the meeting.

- Does your company need publicity?

- Do you need to boost morale in house?

- Do you want to educate potential customers on your offerings?

- Draft a clear set of objectives for your event so you can decide on the size of the event.

2. Survey the venues in your area

Once you know the type of event and the possible number of attendees, you should look at your venue options. You don't need to select the venue at this point. Your or a member of your event planning team should call different locations to find out the range of prices you're dealing with.

Knowing what several locations in the same area are charging can help you play around with the numbers and find the right mix of venue, meeting entertainment, caterers and publicity costs.

3. Get quotes from professional corporate entertainers

Meeting entertainment is a must have for modern events. You need to find entertainers with previous corporate experience so you can ensure that the entertainment will be appropriate. Look for vendors who can provide pre-packaged corporate entertainment that can blend into your other event needs.

4. Find potential caterers

Sometimes food and drink service will come with your venue, but if it doesn't you'll also need to price catering. Give potential caterers your estimated attendee numbers and have them deliver a quote. You can use these quotes to find the best match for your budget and your needs.

Deciding on the purpose of your event and then getting quotes from vendors is the best way to accurately create a budget for your corporate event. Once you get a variety of quotes, you can mix and match the services to find the best price for a professional event.

Public Relations Manager Jobs

Public relations manager jobs take care of the top most needs of the company. A company is a big organization with various activities. Public relations manager work is usually involved in the highest echelons of the company. While production, purchase and sales are the ground level functionaries of a company, PR manager jobs are on the highest level of company strategy.

If a mishap happens in the company and it is in fear of losing its reputation, then it is the duty of the public relations manager to make the company look the best possible. If on the other hand the company does something good, then it is again the duty of the public relations manager to make sure that everyone hears about it.

Basic Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of a professional in public relations manager employment is to make and execute such campaigns so that the organization is looked upon favorably by the public. There are many duties that a manager of public relations has to do.

He has to give interviews, write and send press releases, draft speeches, hold press conferences, oversee the charity programs run by the company and meet with various community leaders.

In fact, he is also responsible for representing the company at various social events. PR managers generally specialize in some specific area of management such as crisis management or event management.

Job Requirements

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that companies generally prefer individuals who have done graduation or post graduation in Journalism or Public Relations. In fact, they also look for candidates who have completed their coursework in business administration, advertising or communications.

But the fact lies that in top level positions such as public relations manager jobs, people are usually promoted and not directly appointed. It can take you seven years to reach this top position. Even if you do not have a degree in public relations there is nothing to fear.

You can always start by doing an internship and learn more on the job. This kind of internship also helps you to gather practical knowledge which becomes very useful for the future. However to be a master of this field, one must have good communication and computer skills.

Working Conditions

If you are interested in PR manager careers, it would be helpful for you to know about the working conditions of this job. A PR Manager generally has to work under very stressful and fast paced environment.

In fact, a lot of these professionals also work during the night and holidays to meet deadlines. You might also have to face long work schedules and extended hours during crisis. In this kind of job, it is quite common to travel. A PR manager also will have to meet government officials, media personalities and groups with special interest throughout the country.

Job Outlook

It has been estimated that the growth of public relations manager jobs will increase by 13% in 2018. This would create around 7,300 new jobs. As the senior managers retire or leave, these high level jobs will gradually become available to other candidates from outside the company.

In spite of this, Public relations manager jobs continue to remain some of the most coveted jobs in the country.

Charity Event Planning Tips

If you are in need of charity event planning tips, you must need to put on a charity event and raise some funds. We have some exciting, fun tips to help ensure a successful evening. We figure if you have an exciting event, your guests will have a great time and be more apt to open the wallets and loosen up those purse strings!

Charity Event Planning Tips #1 - You Ought to Be in Pictures, Baby!

Host a candid, thrilling evening for your guests by setting the scene with photo opportunities everywhere. Make it formal attire and have flashbulbs going off all over the place. Knowing they are going to get these pictures later, who wouldn't pay (donate) well for that?

Create different themes, such as a "Hollywood" theme. Ask the local drama theatre to donate a backdrop in exchange for some free publicity. Have a red carpet at the entrance with flashy photographers saying, "You ought to be in pictures, baby!"

Charity Event Planning Tips #2 - Mardi Gras in May

You can host this charity event in May or any month. Traditionally Mardi Gras is in February, but who cares? It will be a welcomed thrill ride.

• Who's Behind That Mask? Line up a few of your guest and let the others guess who they are. If your guests don't know each other, then supply the real names and let them try to match.


• Call Out That Dish! Serve some traditional, authentic New Orleans Cajun dishes and have a contest for who can name (call out) the most dishes. Then reward that culturally-knowledgeable Einstein with a prize.

Charity Event Planning Tips #3 - Post your event online. Make it festive and make it easy on yourself

How unique will it be for your guests to receive an email invitation with a link that takes them right to your page about the charity and its theme? Imagine a web page with flashy pictures and announcements on film. Or a Mardi Gras themed page with a feathered eye mask hanging down from one corner? You can allow for the guest list to be visible as well as displaying who's coming and who's not. You'll also be able to send out email reminders to your guests as the event gets closer to ensure you have a great turnout.

Another great thing about posting online? Being able to accept and manage donations online. Why not add an element to your page that announces up-to-the minute donation totals that all can see? Those contributing would love to see that as it directly gives feedback on something they've done. You will have access to up to 60 multi-media tools, you can even add video or audio to your page. How about video of the event itself and post it afterward to encourage your guest to network with each other online? The possibility with your web pages are endless. All online. All very simple. Now, have a blast and get some cash!

Hiring A Planner For Your Event

Planning an event that runs smoothly requires attention to detail and coordination and above all it requires a lot of help from a lot of people. If you are new to event planning and you've been put in charge of planning an important event such as a wedding, the first thing you need to realize is that you can't do it on your own. You are going to need help. The best decision you make will be your decision to hire a professional event planner. It will be money well spent.

If you're not sure where to look, try asking at local event rental shops. Many of them have staff event professionals that can help you plan the special day. When you meet with your event planner, he or she can help you make important decisions. One of the most important decisions you'll be making is the venue, or the place where you'll be holding the event. Your planner can help you look through several options and choose the best one. Depending on whether your venue is indoors or outdoors, you may need to rent dining tables, serving tables, and chairs. The venue may not provide them at an outdoor venue. If you are using an event planner from the rental place, that should be no problem. Also, an outdoor event is subject to changes in the weather so a large event tent is a good idea as well. It will not only shield you from rain but direct sunlight as well. If you're in charge of a big event, hiring an event planner is your best move.

Private Event Insurance Will Protect You If Your Event Needs to Be Rescheduled

There are many private event insurance companies, who would offer easy and affordable solution to meet your needs and protect your business or organisation if it is held liable for property damage or bodily injury. They offer a superior combination of coverage quality, purchasing convenience, as well as affordability. The cover is usually provided against cancellation, rescheduling or any mishaps occurring while arranging the event or during the actual event. With the right type of insurance, you can feel confident that while your event's success will be great news, an event gone wrong might not cause any big financial damage. You can also get the insurance cover that would extend to providing cover for you as an employer should your staff make a claim, as well as cancellation insurance, which will recover the money lost if the event has to be cancelled due to something beyond your control. In the case of an outside event this could be something like poor weather.

• A private event insurance event can vary so much and be so hard to understand at times, clients can experience frustration trying to find the coverage that will satisfy their various requirements, including venues etc. This can lead to dissatisfaction with the venue itself for making things really difficult.

• This cover offers your business or organisation coverage and can be a primary coverage if both you and your client are named in a claim and your client is found to be solely at fault. It can be extended to the family members involved or taken as a group insurance scheme for the lives of the entire group. You must however, choose this insurance policy with great care, just like the way you would choose a life insurance for your loved ones or even regular car insurance.

• Private event insurance is ideal for many businesses and organisations planning dinners, meetings and other smaller functions, who are looking for an alternative to the more comprehensive liability products designed for high-risk productions like concerts and sporting events. You can have the coverage of reduced attendance or critical mass loss, sporting event insurance, one day event insurance and several forms of special event insurance like special event liability insurance.

• It is especially designed for those who need liability coverage for a one-time event, and is available to facilities, event planners, and private individuals as well as to other insurance agents. There are many insurance providers in the market these days and it is always a best idea to get quotes from as many providers as you possibly can.

• It's quite easy for the event holder to purchase affordable, broad, commercial general liability insurance with a proven non-admitted event insurer. They can analyse your exposures and are quite skilled to provide a comprehensive insurance package to protect your event or organisation.

As the importance of private event insurance is on the increase, many people are making use of quick and easy online documentation so that no time is wasted in visiting and discussing the insurance details.

How to Plan a Thanksgiving Party in Your Office?

With the season of merrymaking knocking at the door and Thanksgiving waiting to strike the opening bell, invitations are being extended everywhere and menus are being finalized. Soon the holiday season will begin and the offices will remain closed; but how about organizing a party at your office just before that? The workplace is after all where you spend a major part of your day; so, why not make it a part of your celebrations too? With a host of modern-day event management solutions available it is not at all difficult to plan a Thanksgiving office party. Simply opt for the best Thanksgiving party registration solution, and the rest will simply fall in place.

Here are a few Thanksgiving office party tricks, which you may consider depending on the size of your workplace:

Let us start with smaller party plans. For example, if you are working in a relatively large organization with numerous departments, and you want to restrict your celebration to your own department, coordinate pot luck amongst your colleagues. Include all the must-have food areas such as turkey, cranberry sauce, assorted salads, drinks, and desserts, and your colleagues will just love it. You can manage the invitations and food arrangement on your own with a little help from a few of your acquaintances, but it always helps if you opt for a Thanksgiving event registration solution which also has an in-built emailing tool to send out quick invites.

The software makes the registration process much simpler allowing your guests to access the online forms at their own time of convenience. Online registration also makes managing the accounts more accurate and convenient. If you create an account with the solution provider for the Thanksgiving purpose, it will be easier for your guests to deposit their contributions online. If you are in charge of keeping accounts, this system will, in turn, enable you to keep a track on which of your colleagues have already contributed and who are still left to pay the amount fixed for the potluck.

Creating an account for a purpose such as this might seem like an extravagant investment, but then you should not forget that Thanksgiving is an annual occasion. Next year, when you will be assigned with the task of planning a similar event before the Thanksgiving Day, this account will come in so handy. So, go ahead with the plan and enable your guests to make the payment online, a mode they are most comfortable availing.

Now, coming to slightly large scale Thanksgiving parties, the event registration solution will surely be your best choice to zero in on such an occasion. You can create and publish a thanksgiving event and party registration page online with the help of the software in minutes. The page can be customized with signature Thanksgiving themes such as autumn leaves, a scarecrow's face, pumpkins, cornucopia, or a pilgrim's hat, apart from the usual office logo, and tiered pricing categories.

By accessing this page anytime during the day, attendees will be able to get the information about the party and the venue and make their payment decisions accordingly. The best part of the online registration software is that it includes an embedded email messaging and a host of other productivity tools. You will be able to send as many invitations, reminders, and RSVPs as you want to across the departments by using this application and set up an online calendar for your guests to regularly follow the updates. Finally, for promoting the event within your office to encourage maximum participation you can make use of the facilities such as the social media platforms, promo codes, discounts, and waitlist manager, which come embedded with the Thanksgiving party registration software.

Wristbands: An Event Planner's Best Friend

Whether you're planning an event for 100 or 10,000, wristbands are an invaluable tool in making sure your event runs smoothly. In fact, whether you choose Tyvek wristbands, paper wristbands, custom wristbands, plastic wristbands, or vinyl wristbands, simply using these simple identifiers can alleviate a number of potential problems during your event. The versatility of wristbands means that you can use them anytime you need a visual identifier. Here are some examples of the myriad of ways you can use wristbands:

Age or height identifier: Wristbands can be used at venues to identify minors in order to prevent them from purchasing alcoholic beverages. They can also be used in amusement parks when there are height restrictions to certain rides. Tyvek wristbands have the advantage of being waterproof, and so can be used for water parks.

Admissions: When you use wristbands, you can sell day passes for events or amusements. Guests will appreciate not having to fumble for tickets, and workers will save time by easily identifying those who have paid for a pass. If you are holding a conference that spans several days, you can use wristbands of a different color each day so that registrars can tell at a glance whether the attendee is registered for a given day's events.

Child-Parent Protection: Twin wristbands are ideal for situations where it's necessary to identify parents of children. Daycare centers, preschools, and amusement venues for small children all need to ensure that a child is leaving with an adult who is his or her parent or guardian.

Group Day Trips: Whether it's a school field trip or a day trip to a casino, it's important to be able to identify those with your group. Being able to check wristbands ensure that the proper individuals are boarding the proper busses, and allow for an easy head count to make sure no one is left behind.

Commemoration: If you're planning Red Ribbon Week at a school, you can issue wristbands to those students who pledge to participate. Likewise, you can use wristbands as a way for people who have committed to a cause or an ideal to self-identify.

Wristbands are made from a number of different materials, such as Tyvek wristbands, paper wristbands, plastic wristbands, and vinyl wristbands. Which material you choose depends upon your budget and the type of event you're planning.

Best of all, wristbands can be easily customized. Although there are a number of preprinted wristbands on the market, you can order custom wristbands with the name of your company or event. Custom wristbands can also include bar codes, logos, and other special text.

5 Networking Event Mistakes That Can Cost You Prospects

Face to face networking is one of the best ways to find real prospects for your business. Most business owners hate these types of events because they can't see any real value in it. You spend all day away from your business and you go home with no sales leads, instead you have a bunch of business cards from people that want you to buy something.

A day or even a half day is a long time to be away from your business so if you are going to do it, be sure that it is worth your while. Below is a list of 5 networking mistakes that entrepreneurs and CEOs often make that typically keep them from finding qualified prospects or sales leads.

I Can't Believe I Attended That

Being in the wrong place is almost always the problem with face to face networking for business owners. Many of us (I have been guilty of this one) signup for the wrong type of event. Let's take the Virtual Assistant for example; it is not a smart idea to register for an event in which the key speaker will talk about Time Management for The Virtual Assistant if you are only going in search for new business.

This may be great training for you, but if you want find good prospects, you have to attend events in their industry. If your ideal client is a realtor, you should be attending events that are tailored to the real estate industry.

Weak Pitch

The first time you meet a potential client, you want to leave them with a great impression of you and your business. At networking events, you only have a short amount of time to let people know who you are, what you do and what makes you different.

Before you attend an event, you should already have a dynamic elevator pitch created. I will elaborate more on creating an effective elevator pitch at a later date but to get you started remember that your pitch should be:

1. No longer than 60 seconds, although I recommend staying around 30 seconds

2. Targeted to your ideal prospect

3. Focused on the outcome or results you provide for your clients

No Cards or Promotional Material

The tackiest thing I have ever seen at an event is someone writing their contact details on a napkin and handing it to me. That says two things; the first being that they are not prepared and the second is that they are not professional. I know that things happen but if you are going to an event, don't show up without some type of promotional information, even if it's just a business card.

If you ordered some items and they haven't arrived the day before your event, run to a same day printing shop and have 50 to 100 business or postcards printed up. Remember that it's all about appearances and you don't want people to assume that you are not capable of delivering professional, high quality work.

What Are You Wearing?

Dress accordingly, if it says business casual, don't wear sweats or a three-piece suit. The event planner should be able to tell you in advance what type of dress is appropriate. This may seem silly to some of you, but following the dress code says that you know how to take instruction and are reliable.

Be on Time

Do not show up late for an event, especially if it is an event where everyone is sitting down. You will get noticed, but not in a good way. Being late says to prospects that your delivery time will be unreliable as well.

There are tons of other tips out there that can help you make networking events a gold mine for your business, this list is a great place to start. I hope this information has been helpful and I wish you tons of success at your next event.